Why do solar panels need to be laid flat?

When laid flat, they don’t capture as much sunlight as panels on a sloped roof or pitched roofs. This can result in less electricity generated throughout the day, especially in areas where the sun’s angle changes significantly. Adjusting the panel’s angle can improve how solar panels work by maximizing sunlight exposure.

Can solar panels be installed flat?

Yes, you can install solar panels flat, but they will experience a degree of energy loss without the slightest inclination towards the sunlight. Although it certainly is advantageous to have a roof that is inclined in the sun's direction, a flat surface will also do.

What angle should a solar panel be laid flat?

A solar panel laid flat will have a ‘tilt angle’ of 0 degrees. Even small increments from this can have a dramatic effect output. The optimum angle for solar panels is between 30 – 45 degrees. This improves power output by 10% to 15% compared to a panel laid flat. A tilt angle mount should be used on a flat roof.

Are flat panels better than ground-mounted solar panels?

Installing flat panels rather than ground-mounted systems has significant advantages for solar project developers. Without the need for groundwork and foundations to be laid — nor the need for complex moving parts such as motors and gears in tracking systems — solar plants using flat panels can be installed at a lower cost than conventional panels.

Should you put solar panels on a flat roof?

Although it certainly is advantageous to have a roof that is inclined in the sun’s direction, a flat surface will also do. With a flat roof, your solar panels will still get direct sunlight, which is the whole point of putting them on the roof.

Can a flat PV system fit more solar panels?

US-based energy technology developer, Erthos, is a clear example of a company investing heavily in flat PV panels. They have obtained a patent for an ‘Earth Mount Solar PV system’ which the company says can fit more panels into a space than conventional utility-scale plants. So are these companies on to something interesting?